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September 23, 2015

September 2015 Safety News and Notes

Here's a collection of recent workplace safety news and resources from around the web:

Drive Safely Work Week is October 5-9Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW) is the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety's annual workplace safety campaign, providing an opportunity to remind employees about safe driving practices. Organizers have prepared a complete kit of materials that are available for free download. Learn more about DSWW.

New App Helps Track Confined Spaces on Farms

WorkSafeBC has launched a new mobile application to help agricultural employers keep track of confined spaces on their properties, including dairy farms, orchards, mushroom operations, greenhouses and ranches. The My Confined Spaces app allows users to create an inventory using a map, log information and photos for each confined space, and record possible hazards. Users also can view potential hazards for common confined spaces and share their inventory. A resource library in the app contains documents, videos, tutorials and other resources. Learn more.

OSHA Proposes New Rule on BerylliumOSHA has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for beryllium, which if adopted, will reduce the current PELs and include ancillary provisions such as medical surveillance and regulated work areas to protect workers from exposure to this toxic substance. Review the proposed rule, or read an OSHA FactSheet on the proposed changes.

New WHMIS 2015 Podcast from CCOHSAs Canada aligns the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), also known as WHMIS 2015, workers may wonder, “What does it mean for us?” Check this podcast to learn what it is, how it affects workers and the workplace, and key things to know. Listen here.

OH&S Offers Lockout/Tagout and Arc Flash Webinars in October

Overcoming Barriers for a Successful Lockout Program. Running a compliant lockout program is challenging and often falls short of adequately protecting people. This webinar cuts right to the point of many common problems and addresses what – from our experience - can be done to effectively correct these challenges. Learn what to do about it on October 6 at 2 p.m. ET.

Your Workforce Needs More Sleep!That's the conclusion of the National Sleep Foundation, which says that only 40 percent of Americans consistently get enough sleep. The cost? Lost productivity - as much as $63.2 billion a year, according to a Harvard study. This information and much more is presented in an infographic created by Target Logistics. See it here.

What You Should Know for the 2015-2016 Flu Season

The CDC has prepared a Q&A page with everything you should know about the upcoming flu season, including: What sort of flu season is expected this year? When will flu activity begin and when will it peak? Will this season's vaccine be a good match for circulating viruses? Are there new recommendations for the 2015-2016 influenza season? and many more. Not every question has a definitive answer, but it's a great way to get a jump on flu season before it hits you, your family or workplace. Visit the CDC flu page.

11 Tips to Help You Pass Your Next OSHA InspectionWorkplace HR & Safety has posted an article with some simple tips to help you pass your next OSHA inspection, including: Develop an OSHA compliance calendar; Identify a conference room for records review; Send an internal notification alerting your employees of an imminent inspection; During the closing conference, present documentation of corrective actions taken during the inspection and have answers to questions that couldn’t be answered in the field; Don’t be evasive — answer questions directly and succinctly. Read the article here.

OSHA Updates Fire Protection Systems Manual

To better protect emergency responders, OSHA has revised its manual, Fire Service Features of Buildings and Fire Protection Systems. The revised manual addresses hazardous material releases, emergency medical care, non-fire rescues and terrorist attacks. It explains how fire personnel can resolve an incident sooner and in a safer manner if a building design is tailored to meet their needs during an emergency. It includes: new chapters on water supply and integrating design elements to protect fire personnel during a building's construction, occupancy and demolition phases; new sections on energy conservation, emergency power and room and floor numbering with additional photos to help explain concepts. Download the revised manual (pdf).

Selfie Deaths Becoming a Global ConcernA recent article in the Daily Telegraph states that more people have died by taking selfies than by shark attacks this year. Most of the selfie-related deaths have been due to falling. The next most common is when people are trying to take a selfie, and they're hit by a moving vehicle. The Russian government has even released a guide detailing how not to die while taking a picture of yourself! Do you have employees who take selfies at work?Read more.